Li Peng, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, told President Justin Koumba of the Congolese National Assembly in a meeting in Beijing January 19 that China places great importance on developing its relations with African nations.

Li noted the traditional friendly relations between China and the Congo, saying that bilateral relations have been developing smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago.

He expressed the conviction that Koumba's ongoing China visit will help promote the development of relations between the two countries and parliaments.

Li said that China is pleased to see that stability has returned in the Congo, and hopes that national reconciliation will be achieved in the country soon, so that the country can concentrate on the economic construction, adding that experience has proved that nothing can be done without stability.

Describing the African continent as a vast land with abundant resources and enormous development potential, Li said that it is regrettable that unequal and unreasonable political and economic order in the international arena hinders the economic development of the African countries, and affects social stability there.

Therefore, China believes that the international community should work for establishing a new order and advancing multipolarity, he said.

Li also pointed to the strengthening of Sino-African relations in recent years, and said the Chinese people have deep, friendly feelings for the African people. He added that promoting unity and cooperation with African countries and other developing countries is the basis of China's foreign policy.

He said that the Chinese NPC is fully prepared to promote its relations with the Congolese National Assembly.

Koumba said that the two countries have a long-standing friendly relationship, and China is one of the countries to restore its embassy in the Congo after a chaotic period in the country ended, adding that his country highly praised China's achievements in economic development and diplomacy.

He said that the Congo supports the peaceful reunification of China, and will continue to follow the one-China policy. (Xinhua)